Coleraine is nearby the world’s famous Causeway Coast, which attracts over three million visitors each year. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway is interlocking by its hexagonal columns that rise vertically like steps but is in fact a natural volcanic formation.
West to Coleraine, the « Dark Hedges » a beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. When the trees on this lane were originally planted, they were simply meant to welcome visitors to a manor house, but as the trees matured they began to bend over the road and their upper branches intermingled creating a shadowy arboreal tunnel. Creating a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.
Coleraine is very spoilt for its beaches on the north coast, the beaches are perfect to relax with family and friends and provide opportunities for many activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, coasteering, horse riding, kayaking, hiking or swimming. The top three-rated beaches are Portstewart Strand, Downhill Strand, and Castlerock Beach.
Travel
Coleraine is a small town and everywhere is an easy walking distance within the town, there is a suburban bus service but visitors are unlikely to need it.
The town has also one of the best rail connections in Northern Ireland, it is located on the rail junction for the Belfast – Derry line heading to the seaside resort of Portrush.
Those with more time on their hands, you can use Ulsterbus Goldliner service from Laganside Bus Station in Belfast. The bus will take you along the world-famous Antrim Coast through Larne, the Glens of Antrim, and the Causeway Coast. The journey takes three hours but is one of the most beautiful journeys in Ireland or the UK. This service is only available during the summer months.
